Macmillan nurses specialise in cancer and
palliative care, providing support and information to people with cancer
- and their families, friends and carers - from the point of diagnosis
and during their illness.

They help patients make informed decisions about their treatment, and
guide them through the maze of different services. They also help people
to cope with problems such as the symptoms associated with treatment and
disease.

There are around 2,500 Macmillan nurses, who work both in people's own
homes and in hospitals. Most Macmillan nurses work for the NHS, so their
services are free. Many people are referred to a Macmillan nurse by
their GP, district nurse, consultant or ward sister.

All Macmillan nurses are Registered Nurses with at least five years'
experience, including two or more years in cancer or palliative care.
They also complete specialist courses in managing pain and other
symptoms, and in psychological support. Part of their role is also to
share their expertise with colleagues, to help improve standards of
care, and to co-ordinate care between hospital and the patient's home.

Great Ormond Street Hospital
welcomes more than 90,000 patients per year. Any donations you make to
Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity have a profound effect
on the care and treatment we can provide to seriously ill children,
topping up the NHS' funding. To find out more about the vital work of
the hospital, visit www.gosh.nhs.uk, and visit our new
Hospital Redevelopment site here.

Hurstwood Park is one of the leading hospitals in
neurological surgery. Their techniques on tumours has given hope to
people from all over the country who's outlook would normally be very
bleak.

Of course not all cases end up positive, and we
hope to provide equipment such as electric beds, so a patient can
sit themselves up to have a drink instead of be 100% dependent on
nursing staff, this small piece of independence helps to provide
some dignity to people were hope is fading.